Oliaku I. Idigo of Tyler was awarded a state scholarship for disability-related leadership and service, Ida MacDonald, director of student services at The University of Texas at Tyler, announced.

Idigo, a junior nursing major from Nigeria, was awarded the 2008 Association on Higher Education and Disability in Texas scholarship in the amount of $500.

AHEAD in Texas is a non-profit association consisting primarily of disability service providers in higher education. Membership also includes others interested in disability-related issues, such as vocational rehabilitation counselors, state agencies, parents, students and advocates.

To be considered for the award, nominees were required to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, receive a nomination by a member of AHEAD in Texas, give a personal statement and demonstrate academic achievement.

Upon graduation, Idigo plans to earn a master of science degree in nursing and work for the World Health Organization.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 6,000 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.